Updating The QB Speculation Surrounding the Vikings

In my latest mock draft update I finally warmed up enough to the idea of spending the #12 pick on an offensive lineman that I gave the Vikings Colorado tackle Nate Solder.

Then, wouldn’t you know it, Solder went and laid an egg in the Senior Bowl. He was getting beat by mid-to-late round picks on a consistent basis, and the big man looked like he might just be more of what the Vikings already have. By that, I mean a giant tackle that struggles in pass protection but can occasionally use his big frame to pave the way for the ball carrier.

So, to be honest, my next update will probably feature the “draft a quarterback or trade back” theme to it, so let’s get back to focusing on pass throwers. Here are some quarterback updates:

COLIN KAEPERNICK

The Nevada pistol quarterback drew a ton of praise during Senior Bowl practices, and he had a few chances to show off his strengths on Saturday, mainly his strong arm and good mobility. What he didn’t do was address any questions about his ability to see the field and read defenses. Kaepernick is drawing a lot of comparisons to Joe Webb, athletic but raw, but he is expected to have climbed his way into competition to be the third quarterback drafted.

CHRISTIAN PONDER

Here we have the Senior Bowl MVP out of Florida State not hurting his draft stock, not really helping it, but most likely just solidifying his status as a second round consideration. Ponder went 7 of 13 for 132 yards and two touchdowns, but anyone watching will realize he got some great help from his receivers in putting up those stats. His arm strength and overall health is still a concern, but he looked like a quarterback perfectly capable of managing a football game at the next level. Whether or not he has what it takes to be truly successful at the next level is definitely more of a question.

RICKY STANZI

Stanzi really had a poor week of practices, but the Iowa quarterback had an impressive outing during the Senior Bowl. A couple of great throws were overshadowed by the television coverage of his leadership moment, when he gathered his teammates to inspire them after a poor first half.

ANDY DALTON

Dalton missed most of this game with an injury, so it was hard to get a feel for the TCU quarterback who seems like a possible round two pick. He did have at least one unforgivable miss to a wide open receiver.